Researchers from NUS have discovered laminin-5 gamma-2 as a potential target for treating anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), a highly aggressive and untreatable form of cancer. The protein's silencing inhibited tumour growth, cell migration, and invasion in ATC cells.
Aortic valve replacement improves symptoms but may not improve overall quality of life for high-risk patients. Researchers found rituximab to be ineffective in treating primary Sjögren's syndrome, while microsporidiosis should be considered in febrile transplant patients, especially those with unexplained illnesses.
Novel emerging pathogens often have significant impacts on human health, with RNA viruses being a major cause of these infections. Early detection and response are crucial for effective disease containment or mitigation, using tools like bio-surveillance, molecular diagnostics, and Next Gen sequencing.
Researchers are exploring the properties of amyloid beta peptides, implicated in Alzheimer's disease. By understanding their behavior, they hope to identify structures that lead to toxic aggregates and develop treatments.
Scientists propose that conventional steroid treatments deliver medication in a way that disrupts the body's natural hormone release patterns, leading to debilitating side effects. The report recommends developing novel techniques to mimic these natural cycles, which could alleviate suffering for patients.
Researchers found that high dream recallers show stronger brain activity in areas involved in attention and memory, suggesting increased ability to encode dreams in memory. This study provides insights into the neural mechanisms behind dream recall and has implications for understanding the mysteries of dreaming.
A study published at University of Cambridge finds that high cortisol levels can lead to risk aversion among traders, contributing to market instability. The research suggests that chronically raised cortisol levels can decrease willingness to take risks, even when markets are crashing.
Researchers found that judges are more likely to side with public majority sentiment on the death penalty after being targeted by moneyed interest groups. The study used a large dataset of over 12,000 votes from 27 years and found that judicial behaviors changed with the rise of new-style campaigns.
Mosaic, a new digital publication, will explore the science of life through long-form features, articles, and films. The Wellcome Trust-backed platform aims to explain scientific developments in context, making it accessible to all curious about science.
A neurotensin conjugate has shown effective transportation across the blood brain barrier and dose-dependent pain relief in animal models. In contrast, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been found to impact T cell repertoire in multiple sclerosis patients, with diverse repertoires associated with better treatment responses.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University found that liquid fertilizing techniques through drip irrigation result in lower groundwater pollution rates compared to intensive organic farming. High nitrate concentrations in aquifer water lead to drinking-water well shutdowns due to down leaching of nitrates under intensive organic farming.
Climate change is expected to increase heat waves in the Midwest, claiming hundreds of lives annually. A model developed by MSU systems ecologist Laura Schmitt-Olabisi reveals limitations of previous approaches to reducing deaths and hospitalizations caused by extreme heat.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new type of regulatory blood cell that can fight hyperactive T-cells causing chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis. The cells express FoxA1, which suppresses inflammation and degeneration of the brain.
The Vanderbilt team has deciphered the 3-D structure of a key MRSA protein, FosB, which inactivates an antibiotic called fosfomycin. This discovery may enable the design of inhibitors that can improve the effectiveness of fosfomycin and combat MRSA infections.
Professor Daniel K. Mroczek has discovered that certain personality traits are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes throughout life. His research suggests that many adults remain fit and engaged until late in life, maintaining fulfilling social relationships.
A new study found that Mount Hood's magma has been stored for at least 20,000 years, but can liquefy and potentially erupt in a short time frame of around two months. The key to triggering an eruption is elevating the rock's temperature above 750 degrees Celsius.
A new survey of over 10,000 Americans found that nearly 50% of evangelicals believe science and religion can work together, contrary to public perception. The study also showed that scientists are more likely to practice their faith than the general population, challenging conventional wisdom.
Researchers discovered a new layer in the human cornea that plays a vital role in fluid flow from the eye. This finding could shed light on glaucoma, a devastating disease caused by defective drainage of fluid.
A new study reveals a significant increase in Americans' moral opposition to animal testing, with over half of women and young adults opposing the practice. The study found that opposition to animal testing rose among all age groups, including older adults, and across political affiliations.
The University of Oregon's Science Literacy Program is exploring an interactive workshop centered on 'active learning,' which focuses on how students learn material and apply it in new situations. The goal is to improve STEM education by enhancing teaching methods that foster transfer of knowledge.
Researchers have observed Guam mantas gathering around fish spawn, which is a previously unknown behavior. The mantas react to the presence of surgeonfish by trying to evade them. This study highlights the importance of understanding manta behavior for conservation efforts in Micronesia.
A renowned ASU professor is discussing the importance of ethical considerations in scientific research, highlighting the need for scientists to think critically about their work. He emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between ethicists, philosophers, and scientists to ensure responsible innovation and discovery.
A new study reconstructing the evolutionary tree of flu viruses challenges conventional wisdom, resolving mysteries surrounding historical outbreaks. The research provides the most comprehensive analysis to date, revealing how the virus evolves at different rates in various host species.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a novel way to produce malaria parasite proteins that could lead to easy and cheap vaccine manufacturing. The new approach uses a single-celled aquatic creature similar to the malaria parasite, allowing for rapid multiplication in the lab.
A new study reveals that fertilization of natural grasslands disrupts ecosystem stability, reducing diversity and plant growth. The researchers used the Nutrient Network to collect data from 41 sites across five continents, finding a significant impact of fertilizer on ecosystems.
Researchers found high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in river water during peak pilgrimage season, linked to overcrowding and poor waste management. The study emphasizes the importance of protecting sacred sites while preventing the spread of 'superbugs', highlighting the need for improved sanitation and waste treatment.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that a subtle epigenetic change facilitates structural changes of the centromere prior to cell division, ensuring proper chromosome distribution. This mechanism is highly similar in human cells and yeast cells, suggesting its key role in preventing incorrect chromosome numbers.
Researchers found a strong relationship between vulnerability to food shortages before a climate shock and its impact. They used long-term archaeological data to understand changing dynamics in the North Atlantic Islands and US Southwest.
Professor Haoqi Zhang's crowd-supported systems solve complex problems like custom trip planning and academic conference organization. His research integrates community process, intelligent user interfaces and crowdsourced input to create efficient solutions.
Wendy Wintersteen stresses the importance of partnerships for pooling research and expertise to address serious threats like climate change, pests, and plant disease. She highlights Iowa State's BioCentury Research Farm as a success story of public-private collaboration.
Recent research in biological anthropology explores how global environmental variations shape human health and biology. The studies examine the effects of diet, energy dynamics, and chronic inflammation on human reproduction, nutrition, and disease prevalence.
Scientists use nanofibers to trick glioblastoma cells into moving away from inoperable brain locations and towards a 'tumor collector' gel containing a toxic drug. This technique may allow patients to live with slow-growing tumors, controlling their growth rather than eradicating the cancer.
A recent study by UC Davis and Oregon State University found that magma mobility in Mount Hood is less than 10%, indicating a higher risk of eruptions. The research suggests using seismic imaging to detect mostly liquid magma, which could lead to more accurate eruption forecasts.
A recent study found that Samoa's adult population is almost three-quarters obese, with type 2 diabetes rates over one in five. The island's unique genetic profile and environmental factors are being investigated to understand the causes of this obesity crisis. This phenomenon may serve as a harbinger for global health difficulties.
Researchers focus on nanoscale innovations to enhance solar energy systems, leading to improved energy conversion efficiency and reduced costs. Nanotechnology advances could lead to the development of more efficient photovoltaic devices.
Growing industrialization threatens deep ocean ecosystems, which provide vital functions such as carbon sequestration. Experts urge a new 'stewardship mentality' to balance human needs with ecological impact, highlighting the need for international cooperation, regulation, and research funding to protect the world's last frontier.
The European Human Brain Project, Allen Institute for Brain Science, and US BRAIN Initiative are developing new methods to study the brain in health and disease. Researchers aim to reconstruct brain structure in computer models and analyze vast amounts of brain data.
Researchers at Stanford University are studying light harvesting mechanisms in photosynthetic organisms to improve solar cell efficiency. They have discovered new states of light harvesting complexes with different degrees of quenching, which may be a molecular mechanism for photoprotection.
Research by John Cacioppo reveals loneliness significantly impacts physical and mental health in older adults, increasing mortality risk. Staying connected with loved ones through social engagement can mitigate these effects.
A new design inspired by a pomegranate overcomes obstacles to using silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries, allowing for increased storage capacity. The pomegranate-inspired electrode operates at 97% capacity after 1,000 cycles of charging and discharging.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have characterized two novel proteins from the tularemia bacteria Francisella tularensis that may contribute to its virulence. These proteins, REP24 and REP34, are responsible for induction of rapid encystment in amoebae, which allows the bacteria to survive unfavorable conditions.
A three-year study across five continents found that fertilizer increases grass production but reduces stability, leading to wilder swings in forage availability. This results in fewer species thriving, reducing the overall diversity of grasslands.
A panel of experts from Duke University and Scripps Institution urges policy and stewardship measures for deep sea ecosystems. The extraction of deep-sea minerals and precious metals creates economic incentives but poses unknown ecological risks.
Researchers at CU-Boulder have identified two key pathways affecting skeletal muscle renewal, which could lead to the development of therapeutic treatments for age-related muscle wasting. The study found that altering these pathways enhances muscle stem cell renewal and improves muscle regeneration in aged mice.
Researchers have found that aging muscle stem cells become less able to regenerate new fibers and self-renew. However, they discovered a process to rejuvenate old muscle stem cells using a drug and soft hydrogel substrate, enabling them to repair muscle damage in mice.
Joan Chiao's research investigates how cultural factors influence basic psychological and neural processes underlying social behavior and emotion processing. The study focuses on the physiological and cultural foundations of traits such as empathy and altruism, shedding light on their role in shaping human social interactions.
Researchers discovered a sea lion, Ronan, has impressive rhythmic entrainment skills, beating to various tempos and music. This finding contradicts the long-held theory that beat keeping requires complex vocal mimicry.
Research by Virginia Parks found that African-Americans spend more time commuting than any other group, with a 25% increase over average urban commutes. The study highlights the negative impact of racial segregation on low-wage workers, particularly black women who have the longest commutes.
Researcher Timothy Johns advocates for valuing environmental and health benefits of small-scale local farming to combat malnutrition and chronic diseases. Smallholder farmers can increase productivity and sustainability with access to improved technology.
A new roadmap for the US aims to transform its energy infrastructure from fossil fuels to 100% renewable resources by 2050. The 50-state plan provides detailed information on how many wind turbines and solar panels would be needed, land area required, cost and job creation, to power each state.
Urban neighborhoods vary significantly across cities, affecting experiences of poverty and access to resources. Studying a single city's poor neighborhoods in-depth can lead to inaccurate generalizations.
Robert Gordon's research focuses on the causes of long-term unemployment and declining labor-force participation, with implications for future economic growth. He will critically evaluate the impact of technological progress on employment and consider policy strategies to mitigate its effects.
Researchers are working to conserve the high diversity of potatoes found in South America, where over 5,000 varieties exist. A top-down approach using remote sensing and bottom-up knowledge from local farmers is being used to identify agrobiodiversity hotspots and create strategies for sustainable use.
Larry Smarr, a physicist at the University of California, San Diego, has been awarded the first 2014 Golden Goose Award for his work on black hole collisions that led to a US supercomputing revolution. His team's creation of NCSA Mosaic, a precursor to web browsers, enabled modern graphical Web browsing.
Erik Fisher's Socio-Technical Integration Research (STIR) project brings social scientists together with natural scientists to tackle the societal impacts of emerging technologies. By collaborating on projects, they aim to mitigate negative environmental impacts and improve worker safety through responsible innovation.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Missouri's 2007 handgun purchaser licensing law repeal contributed to a fourteen percent increase in the state's murder rate. The repeal was also associated with an additional 49 to 68 murders per year and a twenty-five percent increase in firearm homicides rates.
African experts will share updates on disease-resistant crops, genetic technologies, and youth empowerment in agriculture. The session aims to nurture the growth of bioscience revolution in Africa's smallholder farming sector.
Researchers developed robotic fish inspired by the weakly electric black ghost knifefish to study fragile coral reefs and investigate sunken ships. The technology improves underwater vehicles' agility, allowing them to navigate complex geometries in murky waters.
Northwestern University's International Institute for Nanotechnology is a hub for interdisciplinary research, attracting over 190 faculty researchers from diverse fields. The institute has enabled the development of transformative nanotechnologies, including nanomedicine and energy solutions.
A major pregnancy study has shown that providing healthy eating and exercise advice to overweight pregnant women can significantly reduce the number of babies born over 4kg. The LIMIT Study, which involved over 2200 women, found an 18% reduction in high birth weight babies.